Not Photoshop

by Fred Showker

Want a doll for Christmas? How about one of these -- some of the most incredible art work and craftsmanship I've ever seen!. I mean, I can't hardly believe this guy's work ... I think you'll be amazed too!

Noel Cruz is one of the most versatile and distinguished repaint artists -- probably of all times -- but mainly in the doll-making industry. I know, these images look like they were surely retouched with Photoshop. Think again.

No, this is not a photo or Cher, nor a Photoshop portrait ... it's a Barbie-sized doll that looks amazingly like Cher in Halfbreed.

Cruz is most recognized for his character and celebrity based dolls due to their uncanny resemblance to the people they portray. His dolls are derived from several models like Gene, Tyler, Sydney, etc, by various dollmakers such as Robert Tonner and Franklin Mint.

Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Noel Cruz has certainly mastered his craft. His repaints as well as his portraits are done with intricate detail to the point of being naturally lifelike in essence. Highly regarded among collectors and artists alike, Noel attempts to raise the bar and bring a fresh take to the common mass produced doll with every face he paints.

He's created hundreds of dolls -- my favorites being his repaint of a "Sybarite" doll to look like Angelina Jolie ... can you believe this?

and ... one world class job on Michael Jackson

These dolls now lay in the proud hands of various collectors all over the world. Many of which have also been featured in several magazines and articles. Some of the auctions in eBay see these dolls going for thousands of dollars! This is world-class craftsmanship -- a skill that is mighty rare indeed!

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